I have written many articles about the dangers of plastic baby bottles made from polycarbonate plastic (Biosphenol A).
The authors of the popular book “Baby 411″ are speaking out about using polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. They are asking their readers to limit the number of washings and heated dryings, because the chemical bisphenol A can leach from the products.
But thanks to two recent developments, the authors now say stop using baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic altogether.
The first change was the statement in a medical journal by 38 BPA researchers that said BPA posed a significant health risk.
Days later, a federal panel convened by the National Institutes of Health said there is “some concern” the chemical could cause behavioral and neurological problems in young children.
“Specifically, parents should stop using Avent’s Natural Feeding Bottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow (or any bottle made of polycarbonate plastic)—these products were previously recommended by BABYBARGAINS,” the authors said in the August Baby Bargains newsletter.
“All baby bottles and sippy cups made of polycarbonate plastic should be avoided,” said author and consumer advocate Denise Fields. “If you are shopping for bottles, chose an alternative made from BPA-free plastic or glass. If you have polycarbonate bottles, throw them out.”
A question and answer section helps parents understand more about the issue.
Q. What the heck is BPA? Why is it dangerous?
A. Clear plastic baby bottles (as well as some food containers and water bottles) are made of polycarbonate, which contains a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). It is the BPA that makes the hard, clear plastic bottles . . . well, hard and clear.
Here’s the rub: BPA’s chemical bond with polycarbonate breaks down over time-especially with repeated washings or heating of the bottle. As a result, BPA leaches out of the plastic bottle or sippy cup . . . and into the liquid (that is, breast milk or formula).
While most data on BPA comes from animal research, studies show even low-levels of BPA MAY be linked to everything from early puberty to breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems.
Q. Do we really know that these bottles are dangerous to humans?
A. No, we don’t. There have been no human studies on BPA-so far, researchers have only found problems in animal research.
There is a split opinion here among scientists. The same federal panel that said it had “some concern” about behavioral and developmental problems in babies also stated that links to other ailments like birth defects and adult ailments were “negligible.” Of course, the plastics industry says BPA is completely safe.
That contrasts to the group of 38 scientists who last week called the health threat from BPA as “significant.”
But the fact the federal panel said there were “some concerns” for the health of babies tipped the balance for us.
As parents, we realize it can be hard to decide what to do when the debate is so heated. As always, our mantra is “show us the science.” We believe enough science is now in to recommend a change in course.
Q. Isn’t it a bit alarmist to say stop using these bottles? When will we know for certain BPA is harmful to humans?
A. The truth is we won’t know for YEARS if there is a human health problem from BPA. And it could be YEARS more before the government decides to take some regulatory action.
We have consulted with pediatricians and other experts before making this decision. The consensus of these experts is: if concerns exist today (and that is backed up by reputable scientific research),then why not limit your baby’s exposure to this chemical?
Babies are especially at risk when it comes to exposure to harmful chemicals-that’s one thing we all can agree on.
The bottom line: we suggest stop using polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups NOW. Since there are quite a few BPA-free bottles on the market (see below), we believe this is an easy call for parents.
Q. Which bottles should we NOT use? Which ones are BPA-free?
A. Polycarbonate baby bottles make up about 90% of the bottle market. The most common polycarbonate bottle are Avent’s Natural FeedingBottle and Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow. But other major baby product companies like Playtex and Gerber also make polycarbonate bottles.
Here are the alternatives that are BPA-free:
- Use glass bottles. Obviously, there is a risk of injury to baby or mom if the bottle is dropped, so glass isn’t a perfect alternative.
- Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA.
- Consider a BPA-free plastic bottle. Born Free makes a BPA-free clear plastic bottle (Newbornfree.com) sold at Whole Foods. But these cost about $10 each, twice the price of Avent bottles.
- Use a drop-in system. For example the PlaytexDrop-in System is BPA free (that is, the bottle liners do not contain BPA). Avent’s Tempo liners are another example.
Q. Is there a way to tell if a bottle has BPA?
A. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy. Here’s a general guide:
BAD: Bottles that have a #7 on their recycling label most likely are made of polycarbonate (and contain BPA).
GOOD: Bottles that have a #2, #4, #5 are made of polyethylene or polypropylene-these do NOT have BPA.
We call on the government to require disclosure of which bottles have BPA, so consumers can make an informed choice.
Q. What about sippy cups? Breast pump collection bottles?
A. Basically, the same advice applies: avoid those made of polycarbonate plastic. Sippy cups made of opaque plastic are fine. Again, check the bottom of the cup for its recycling number (#7 should be avoided). For breast pump collection bottles, consider BPA-free bottles (such as those from Medela).
Related Articles:
Choosing A Bottle: Some Biosphenol-A Free Choices
The Biosphenol Baby Bottle Debate
Parents’ choices should be informed. They should be aware of what regulators and experts say on this subject.
There is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of plastic baby bottles. Definitive studies and scientific reviews conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Harvard University, the National Toxicology Program, the European Food Safety Authority, the German Federal Institute for Risk Analysis, and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology indicate that polycarbonate plastic, the material often used in plastic baby bottles, is safe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently affirmed the safety of polycarbonate baby bottles, stating:
“FDA has confidence that no safety concern exists for BPA in regulated food contact materials. Furthermore, FDA has determined that the use of polycarbonate-based baby bottles and BPA-based epoxy coated cans used to hold infant formula is safe.”
http://www.fitpregnancy.com/yourpregnancy/1062
The scientific consensus is that polycarbonate plastic baby bottles are safe. There shouldn’t be any room for confusion or fear on this.
Amy Chezem
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
An Open Letter to the Authors of Baby Bargains
August 16, 2007
Dear Denise and Alan Fields,
Your opinion and recommendation to parents regarding plastic baby bottles appears to be based on the erroneous interpretation of the most recent scientific conclusions. It directly contradicts the opinions of regulators around the world who specifically looked at bisphenol A (BPA) science and concluded that there is no reason for parents to be concerned about use of plastic baby bottles. In fact, in its most recent letter (July 31, 2007) sent to Fit Pregnancy magazine the FDA – the top health and medical authority in the United States – concludes:
…FDA has confidence that no safety concerns exists for BPA in regulated food contact materials. Furthermore, FDA has determined that the polycarbonate-based baby bottles and BPA-based epoxy coated cans used to hold infant formula is safe.
The panel of scientists organized by the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR), after thorough review and evaluation of all available scientific data, found little reason for concern.
Moreover, there is overwhelming scientific evidence backing the safety of plastic baby bottles. Definitive studies and scientific reviews supporting the safety of polycarbonate plastic have been conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Harvard University, the National Toxicology Program, the European Food Safety Authority, the German Federal Institute for Risk Analysis, and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.
This is why Born Free, which you promote as an alternative to polycarbonate plastic baby bottles, was recently directed by the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau to discontinue its advertising campaign claiming polycarbonate plastic baby bottles were unsafe.
We kindly ask you to consider a revision to your position. We are willing and able to provide you with scientific studies and/or access to experts who can help you sort through the facts. There is a great deal of information on this subject and not all of it is sound. One of my organization’s goals is to educate parents on the safe selection and use of children’s products, such as plastic baby bottles. With so much for parents to be legitimately concerned with, it is disheartening to see the spread of misleading information. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Mike Dwyer
Executive Director
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
856-638-0420 ext 4409
mdwyer@ahint.com
My son has been using bottles with this 7 on them since he was born.. to let other parents kno the name of them also they are fairly popular they are the GERBER NUK BOTTLES . They are used with a uniqe air flow system .